Key lime pie
A tart, creamy custard of key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk in a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. It is bright and refreshing.
Slice of Key Lime Pie: Louiemantia, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
The pie is the signature dessert of the Florida Keys, where small, aromatic key limes grow. The no-fuss filling relies on condensed milk, which was handy before refrigeration was common.
Explore the cuisine of United States.
Recipe
Make Key lime pie at home
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
How it's made
- Mix the crumbs, melted butter and sugar and press into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 F (175 C) for 10 minutes.
- Whisk the condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice and zest until smooth.
- Pour into the warm crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly.
- Cool, then chill at least 3 hours.
- Whip the cream with powdered sugar and spread or pipe over the top before serving.
Variations
- Frozen key lime pie: freeze and serve in slices.
- Meringue-topped: whisk the egg whites for a toasted topping.
- Mini pies: bake in muffin tins.
Cook’s tip: If using regular limes, add a little extra zest to match key lime's perfume.
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About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Slice of Key Lime Pie: Louiemantia, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)